all the other versions (bds) are the cropped 2:1 versions.
ONLY the Japanese bd is the original, correct aspect ratio.
Criterion usually does their own transfer tweaking so the German bd is probably not exactly the same, but most likely very similar.

That is correct. There are also two different JP versions: Theatrical and Extended. See below:

Cool, from what I read in the last couple of pages here, I will be ordering the Japanese set. I haven't seen the film since it came out so I honestly can't remember, was there any dialogue in the film NOT in English? That was my only worry about buying Japanese as it wont have English subs, but since the owner didn't mention it, I will take my chances that it's ALL in English.
I will try to wait a few days to see if someone can confirm this.

Cool, from what I read in the last couple of pages here, I will be ordering the Japanese set. I haven't seen the film since it came out so I honestly can't remember, was there any dialogue in the film NOT in English? That was my only worry about buying Japanese as it wont have English subs, but since the owner didn't mention it, I will take my chances that it's ALL in English.
I will try to wait a few days to see if someone can confirm this.

The feature has all English dialogue, so English subs are not needed.

The extras in the Japanese set are a different story, some foreign language with only Japanese subs, if that matters to you.

Thanks so much! will be getting this very soon. Extras are secondary, but too bad about lack of subs there. Still, having any usable extras on foreign discs is always an unexpected plus. Does anyone care for the Criterion as an alternative? Of course I prefer original aspect ratio, but since I only have a 42" TV (and sit very close to compensate with low backlight) I could see enjoying the larger image on the Critereon version, but only as a secondary version.

Thanks so much! will be getting this very soon. Extras are secondary, but too bad about lack of subs there. Still, having any usable extras on foreign discs is always an unexpected plus. Does anyone care for the Criterion as an alternative? Of course I prefer original aspect ratio, but since I only have a 42" TV (and sit very close to compensate with low backlight) I could see enjoying the larger image on the Critereon version, but only as a secondary version.

I have the Criterion disc as well, but pretty much only for the extras. You've probably read my earlier comments, but honestly I prefer the import on may levels. In addition to the AR issue, the Criterion exhibits some gate weave and smearing.

On the plus side, the Criterion has no edge enhancement or digital artifacts, which are (minimally) present on the import. The color timing may also be more accurate, as the reds stand out more, but that's speculation on my part as I don't have a recent theatrical viewing as a reference.

I will add though that I don't think the frames are particularly well chosen, they chose all frames where the focus of the shot is towards the center so the cropping doesn't ruin the composition as much. There are plenty of shots, not represented there, with people and things closer to the edges, which look dreadful in the 2.0:1 cropped version.

However the shot of the people all lined up, with the doctor in the middle, shows how the American disc is more contrasty, covering up the digital noise that's more pronounced in the dark areas of the Japanese disc, which aren't as dark black as on the American disc.

Skin tones in screenshot #3 demonstrate the greenish-push the import has, which might indicate that the Criterion is closer to the intended color timing. The flag in screenshot #9 also shows more detail on the Criterion.

But in motion I still prefer the Geneon. It's crisper (and more stable) than these shots would indicate, and yes, the aspect ratio... it makes a difference.

The best version regarding aspect ratio (even better than the Japanese release) and grain, is the Italian 3D one (but it has blown up bright colors for use with the 3d glasses).
I really hope we could see a 2d version of this remaster!!

The best version regarding aspect ratio (even better than the Japanese release) and grain, is the Italian 3D one (but it has blown up bright colors for use with the 3d glasses).
I really hope we could see a 2d version of this remaster!!

The best version regarding aspect ratio (even better than the Japanese release) and grain, is the Italian 3D one (but it has blown up bright colors for use with the 3d glasses).
I really hope we could see a 2d version of this remaster!!

I agree. I was staggered to see that the new Italian version was OAR. Storaro had said so many times that the cropped version was the only one he approved of any more, I was afraid we were in a situation like Lucas and the Star Wars trilogy or Michael Mann and Last of the Mohicans, where we would never see the unaltered version again.

However, aside from the hideous, blinding brightness of the 3D version, the restored Italian version looks flawless, and it's OAR.

I hope somebody, somewhere, releases a 2D version of the the new restoration. It's just a pity Criterion released this title so recently, or you know they'd be releasing this transfer, and not the hideous old cropped, pixely version that's out there.

The Japanese version is the best 2D version out there at the moment, but it's still riddled with distracting digital noise.

I've now bought this film 7 times on VHS, DVD and BD, and will gladly buy it an 8th if they finally get it right.

I agree. I was staggered to see that the new Italian version was OAR. Storaro had said so many times that the cropped version was the only one he approved of any more, I was afraid we were in a situation like Lucas and the Star Wars trilogy or Michael Mann and Last of the Mohicans, where we would never see the unaltered version again.

However, aside from the hideous, blinding brightness of the 3D version, the restored Italian version looks flawless, and it's OAR.

I hope somebody, somewhere, releases a 2D version of the the new restoration. It's just a pity Criterion released this title so recently, or you know they'd be releasing this transfer, and not the hideous old cropped, pixely version that's out there.

The Japanese version is the best 2D version out there at the moment, but it's still riddled with distracting digital noise.

I've now bought this film 7 times on VHS, DVD and BD, and will gladly buy it an 8th if they finally get it right.

Haven't bought it yet though I like the film a lot because I'm waiting for a miracle!